Nutrients in Chinese Ginger

Effective

Taste of Chinese Ginger

Parts Used

Rhizome,

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Description

“Fingerroot” popularly known as “Chinese Ginger” or “Chinese keys” is used in China, only for its medicinal properties. Whereas in Thailand it is cultivated for its culinary as well as for its medicinal purposes.

Fingerroot or Lesser Galangal is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is related to Ginger and kulanjan (Alpinia galangal). The name Chinese Keys is given because the rhizome resembles keys on a key ring, with a globe at the top of the key-like roots or fingers which extrude from it.

In Javanese cuisine it is used widely and is known as “Temu Kunci” but in Thai cooking it is named as “krachai”. Due to its spicy flavor it is added to enhance zest to curries. Also eaten in Thailand as a vegetable as well as a spice.

Fingerroot plant can grow to 60 cm in height and can be found in its wild state in dense forests. It is cultivated throughout South-East Asia and has naturalized in many countries. The root, leaves and rhizomes are edible, and medicinally are used for many purposes in traditional medicine systems in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries. The leaves are used along with the leaves of “Teak Tree” to wrap "Tempe"h (a traditional fermented soya bean cake

Fingerroot is grown in the West as an ornamental because of its attractive pink flowers. It is highly typically aromatic. The roots are just like fingers and are bright yellow in color. The aroma comes from the camphor, mainly apart from this there are other aromatic substances in it. Generally found pickled or frozen.

The Thai people use Fingerroot to increase male libido because it is able to increase sperm and raise its quality. A Test was carried out on male rats. They did not bear out these uses, but their testicles did increase in weight and size.

A Scientific study shows that the roots may have anticancer properties.A post-partum tonic is prepared from the roots and the rhizomes or a paste is prepared from the roots and applied externally to the body after the delivery of child.